say it isn't so!

Disheartening news for nature lovers everywhere, the National Wildlife Federation has announced a new partnership with Scotts-Miracle Gro. Huh? Did we fast forward through the winter and today is April Fool's Day?

So the organization that has created initiatives like "Be Out There" which encourages families to spend more time outside, has taken money from one of the largest pesticide and chemical fertilizer producers. From a press release circulated last week, (see here for the full story)

"During our support of the NWF's wildlife relief work in the Gulf of Mexico, we realized how many similarities our organizations shared – and started exploring ways to work together," said Jim Lyski, executive vice president, ScottsMiracle-Gro.

I'd love to know what similarities these two organizations supposedly have in common? Let's call a spade a spade. The National Wildlife Federation, like most not-for-profits these days, is probably hurting in this economy. So they decided to take money from whomever has the biggest pocketbook, regardless of their agenda (greenwashing much Scotts?)

Now I know that there are lots of you out there who are still using Scotts fertilizers on your lawn, or Miracle -Gro on your plants. I'm not sure I could ever convince you to stop, and that's your choice (btw, those type of fertilizers have been banned in Canada) but for a national "nature" focused organization to take this step seems wrong. Am I overreacting? I'd love to know what you think.

The National Wildlife Federation has worked together with ScottsMiracle-Gro over the past two years on programs to educate gardeners about global warming, connect children to the outdoors and help restore habitat following the Gulf oil disaster. Both parties recently announced plans for an even broader partnership that was based on our common interests.

Since that time, Scotts announced a pending legal settlement related to events in 2008 that predate our partnership, which has made it clear that the partnership is not viable. Therefore, NWF and Scotts will work together to end the partnership in a friendly and mutually beneficial way."